Address

Just a head's up for those who received my support letter. The address on the bookmark is wrong.

FYI, my address is
75 Rue Louis Wallon
60300 Apremont, France

The Dot

The dot on the map is where I am. If you click the map a few times, while hovering over the dot, you'll see Apremont. The pictures below are views from the house.

This first one is the house with the automatic gate.

The second is of the gate. In this one you can also see the front door.
The third is a few from standing at the gate looking out on the street.
Time for me to eat déjeuner.

Little Town

Dear Mr Whiskers,

Have you ever seen Beauty and the Beast? Bien sûr, you've seen it. The first scene is Belle walking through her ville singing Bonjour. That was my first thought when I arrived in Apremont. When I proceeded to walk around looking at all the cobblestone I couldn't help but sing: Bonjour, Bonjour! Not too loudly, of course, I don't want to scare everybody off. Yesterday, I went with Amy to pick up the girls from school, which is maybe a block away. While we waited I met a few neighbors. One of them being a girl my age who is a nanny.

Mr Whiskers, don't forget to have someone charge your batteries. You must remember that you're just a robotic cat not actually a real one.

Mr. Whiskers

At church yesterday, Corb, the college pastor whom is positively wonderful, introduced his friend Mr. Whiskers to the congregation. Now don't be deceived by the name, Mr. Whiskers is a cat. He detests water, it's electrifying to him. He finds voices interesting for a time but if you talk too long he closes his eyes slowly and ever so slightly leans his head consistently to the left. He does purr if you touch him in the right spot. He also is quite obedient in sitting in the same position -I didn't think cats could be obedient either. I like to think that Mr. Whiskers would thoroughly enjoy to hear about my adventures in France.

Dear Mr. Whiskers,

I'm preparing for my journey today. I leave so shortly that it is wise to start packing. It's hard to believe that I'll be getting on a flight for Paris in two days time. I will arrive Thursday morning, Paris time.

Oh the turmoil of what to pack. Of course, I'll bring clothes and shoes and my tooth brush. It's the questionable things that I'm fretting about. What about my hiking boots? Snow pants? Or a tambourine? Then the pressure from my books. Each of them are glaring at me, trying desperately to hold my attention, to entice me to bring them to France. Yes, I will bring a journal. It's still in its packaging. I will unwrap it in the airport. Mr. Whiskers, I know how much you like to look at picture so I attached a picture of me packing. I'll be sure to write soon. The next time will be on the flip side, in France.

Au Revoir,

Raechel

Pilot

Dear Friends & Family,

Happy New Year! I hope that 2009 finds you well and ready for the adventures this year will hold. As you may have heard, I am going on an adventure of my own in 2009—I will be spending three months in France as a missionary nanny to help relieve the burdens and support the work of a family who is part of Greater Europe Mission.

This is an exciting time for me, as I step out to help them as they continue their much-needed work in France. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to live outside of the United States for any significant period of time, as well as the first time that I will have traveled to Europe. I look forward to this being a transformative experience both while I’m with the Cross family, and while I travel across France on my own.

I’d like to invite you to be a part of this adventure with me. I have significant expenses at home that I’m responsible for while I’m overseas, as well as certain living and travel expenses to cover while I’m in France. Because I am going to support the Cross family with missionary nannies, I will not be paid directly by the Crosses, Greater Europe Mission, or Missionary Nannys (the organization through which I am raising tax-deductible support.)

There are two ways that you can help me make this incredible adventure with God happen. First, I have a missionary budget that is dedicated specifically to covering my expenses while I am serving the Cross family. This includes living expenses such as food, as well as direct travel to and from the Cross household. Donating toward these expenses is tax-deductible. The way to donate directly to this mission is by sending a check to this address, Mission Nannys P.O. Box 61805, Santa Barbara, CA 93160-1805.

The second method of support is direct donation. While this method does not result in a tax-deduction for you, you will be making my travel while in France possible, including such incredible experiences as visiting the beaches of Normandy to learn about the battles of WWII and spending time learning about the Renaissance artists in the museums of Paris. I would be so grateful if you chose to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you would like to donate directly to me, you can send a check or money order to Raechel Owens, 5945 Chokecherry Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80919, USA or donate via Paypal using my email address, raechelo@gmail.com.

This new year is one of change and opportunity, life and more adventure than I had dreamed possible. I am looking forward to seeing the kingdom of God grow through my support of the Cross family as I provide childcare, meal planning, housekeeping and other help which in turn relieves their stress and will bring them rest. I am also hoping to learn more about the culture around me, the history behind me, and the future ahead of me as I travel through France.

I would be blessed if you would choose to support me either financially or through prayer. If you have further questions about my coming adventure, please email me at raechelo@gmail.com or call me at 719-352-8016. I will soon be starting a blog to keep you updated on my adventures.

May God’s adventures find you in 2009!

Love and thanks,

Raechel Owens